Question
On one section of the foundation of my house, in full sun Zone 7b-8,  I have a tall-growing pyracantha, in front of which are 3 Compacta hollies, and in front of that are two large bridal wreath (Van Houte or Reeves, not sure which).  None of the plants are more than 4 years old. Now the pyracantha is growing into and over the hollies, covering them up, and is expanding into the spireas.  My original intention was to espalier the pyracantha, but  I love all the beautiful berries and white flowers in summer so now I'm thinking about just letting it "take over" and transplanting the spireas elsewhere.  Plus the house is about 12 feet up at that point so espaliering it would be an annual pain. (Literally and figuratively!)  The spireas have had less-than-specacular, blooms, so it would be no great loss to move them.  What problems would I encounter in digging up and transplanting a 4-year-old, 5-ft. tall spirea?  And do you think if I let the pyracantha go, I should move the Compacta hollies forward to give the pyracantha some breathing room?  And would the hollies transplant well? THANKS!

Answer
The Spirea may very well have a multi-stem crown, so that when you dig it up it won't come out it one piece.  I transplanted  one about six months ago (it was probably about 12 years old)...it was the dickens to get out, and came out it pieces, but I transplanted the pieces successfully.

(just by the way, I usually use Spirea for its fall color, since I find the flowers a little too subtle for most places).

I would move the holly.  The pyracantha will slowly fill any space you give it, so the extra room will give you extra time.  Once it gets near the size you want, start thinning it (about 25% out per year).  This will let you keep it the size you want without resorting to shearing.

But about the holly transplanting...I've had trouble.  The holly I have transplanted (it was Chinese holly) took maybe two years to recover.  I lost about 10% of what I did transplant, and the rest looked pretty pale for a couple years.  I even had some completely defoliate for six months.
So be prepared.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland